Muscat: Al Aqar Village, located in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, is a popular summer getaway for both local and foreign tourists to the Sultanate of Oman. The village is famous for its mild summer temperatures and extremely cold winters, providing a refreshing getaway. Geographically, its position is regarded as one of the top tourist attractions in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, with panoramic views of several nearby towns such as Al Ain, Al Uyaynah, Al Sharijah, Al Qasha', Al Qanfrah, and Salut. It also provides a view of the village's lush agricultural terraces and surrounding area, taking advantage of its central location among the governorate's villages and proximity to notable hotels and resorts such as Sahab Hotel, Samaa Hotel, and the Indigo Hotel at Anantara Resort.
The village is an excellent starting point for hiking fans interested in discovering the beauty, intricate details, and distinct architecture of neighboring mountain communities. Visitors can take peaceful walks among the agricultural terraces, passing by natural springs and streams. A highlight for many visitors is learning about the rose harvest, which typically occurs in April and May. Al A'war is a major falaj (ancient irrigation system) that waters Al Aqar's crops. It originates in Al Ain village and irrigates a variety of fruit trees, including pomegranates, apricots, peaches, walnuts, and roses, as well as seasonal crops such as olives.
Ali bin Yahya Al Amri, a resident of Al Aqar hamlet, drew attention to the village's youth recent attempts to renovate and run old homes. These efforts give tourists a range of amenities and choices, including as historical inns, eateries, and museums. This endeavour seeks to protect the village's history and renovate its traditional houses, while carefully balancing visitor comfort and resident wellbeing. Among these restoration initiatives, which have been carried out through ongoing self-help efforts, is the Suspended Terraces Lodge, which opened in September 2023. This lodge carefully includes three traditional structures, each with 11 rooms and a distinct eating area. Al Amri stated that significant care was taken to renovate the lodge in its original style, reusing as many materials from the old houses as possible while also providing all required modern conveniences for visitors.
Yousef bin Nasser Al Amri, another resident of Al Aqar village, reported on ongoing development, including a new café project and two more heritage inn projects, with an estimated cost of OMR 200,000. He emphasized Al Aqar village's rich and extensive history, as seen by its ancient houses and agricultural terraces, validating its status as an ancient settlement inhabited by many generations. Prominent historical landmarks include the Al A'war Falaj, which is critical for its farms, and the village's agricultural terraces, which are renowned for their innovative architecture and aesthetic appeal, breathing new life into the village. Culturally and religiously, the community is dotted with significant sites, including Al Haqaba Mosque, the Quran School, and Al Harf Mosque, which are all conveniently positioned in the center of the village.
Yousef Al Amri emphasized the increasing economic value of investing in the community, which would benefit both house and farm owners, as well as owners of other tourism-related enterprises. He noted that many owners of old homes are now renovating them into tourist attractions such as inns, cafes, and museums. This directly increases their income, generates employment chances for Omani youth, and offers a marketing platform for local products, traditional meals, handicrafts, and artistic artifacts made by several families in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar.
